Waffle maker

ABSTRACT

A food cooking appliance such as a waffle maker, pizza maker or toaster uses a combination of sensor inputs and optional user preferences to determine an optimal cooking time.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to kitchen appliances and more particularly to anelectric waffle maker.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electric waffle makers or waffle irons are well known. A waffle makergenerally comprises two heated and hinged together metal plates that arebrought together after a waffle batter has been deposited on the lowerplate. The two plates or cooking surfaces increase the surface area ofthe waffle, reduce the cooking time and contribute texture to thefinished food article. The mould created by the two plates is openaround the edges. The open edges allow excess batter to escape so thatthe shape of the finished product is preserved.

Waffle batters vary in content and cooking characteristics. Further,different users will have differing tastes as to how they prefer theirwaffles cooked.

Specific teachings are provided in relation to processor controlledwaffle makers and food toasters. However these teachings should beconsidered relevant to a processor controlled appliance that cook foodsin accordance with a nominal or default time that is modified inaccordance with one or more user input preferences and one or moreproperties of the device itself.

As shown in FIG. 31 a toaster for bread and other food products 3000comprises an enclosure 3001 within which is located a manual ormotorised mechanism 3002 for raising and lowering a carriage 3003.Teachings relating to toaster contained in the applicant's PCTapplication PCT/AU2012/001532 are incorporated here by reference. Thecarriage is affixed to a food rack 3004 for transporting food up anddown between an array of heating elements in a toasting cavity that arecontrolled by, for example, a processor 3005. The processor is alsoadapted to receive information or signals from sensors relating to, forexample, the position of the carriage, the temperature in the toastingcavity, various user inputs, toast shade selection, supplemental cycleselection, defrost cycle, selection, food types etc.

These teachings may also be applied to a piazza maker, grill or othercooking appliance.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a waffle maker thatcontributes to the ease of cooking a waffle and the ease of cleaning thedevice that cooks the waffle.

It is another object of the invention to provide a waffle maker giving auser increased control over the cooking process and its outcome.

It is another object of the invention to provide a waffle cooker havinga display that is informative and easy to interpret.

It is another object of the invention to provide a waffle cooker that isversatile and predictable in its performance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In order that the invention be better understood, reference is now madeto the following drawing figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a waffle maker.

FIG. 2 is a cross section through the device depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross section through a waffle maker and its moat.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a waffle maker with a top cover removed.

FIGS. 5 (a), (b) and (c) are cross sectional views of a waffle maker.

FIGS. 6 (a) and (b) are cross sectional details through a moat of awaffle maker.

FIG. 7(a) is a side elevation of a hinge component.

FIG. 7(b) is a top plan view of the device depicted in FIG. 7(a).

FIGS. 8 (a) and (b) are schematic cross sectional views of a handle andmoat of a waffle maker.

FIGS. 8(c) and (d) are top plan views of the spring depicted in FIGS.8(a) and (b).

FIG. 8A illustrates the operation of a locking latch contained within ahandle of a waffle maker.

FIGS. 9(a) and (c) are side elevations of a handle and latch of a wafflemaker.

FIGS. 9(b) and (d) are end elevations of a handle and latch for a wafflemaker.

FIG. 10 is a front plan view of a user interface panel, the inputs anddisplay associated with same.

FIG. 11 is an underside perspective view of a lower waffle plate,thermostat and control.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the control and coupling depicted in FIG.11.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the underside of a plate.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the underside of a plate.

FIG. 15 is a graph illustrating temperature fluctuation in a plate of awaffle maker.

FIG. 16 is a graph illustrating the subdivision of temperature cycles ina waffle plate.

FIG. 17 is a graph illustrating the subdivision of temperature cycles ina variable temperature waffle maker.

FIG. 18 is a chart illustrating cooking time in accordance with variousparameters associated with waffle making.

FIG. 19 is a graph illustrating temperature fluctuations of a cookingplate over time.

FIG. 20 is a chart illustrating symbolic time values in a look-up table,determined by various parameters including thermostat state.

FIG. 21 is a chart illustrating symbolic look-up values of time in adevice where cooking time is not based on a thermostat state.

FIG. 22 is a schematic representation of a user interface to a wafflemaking device.

FIG. 23 is a chart depicting cooking times for a Belgium waffle whenbatter is added while the thermostat state is “on”.

FIG. 24 is a chart depicting cooking times for a Belgium waffle whenbatter is added while the thermostat state is “off”.

FIG. 25 is a chart depicting cooking times for a Classic waffle whenbatter is added while the thermostat state is “on”.

FIG. 26 is a chart depicting cooking times for a Classic waffle whenbatter is added while the thermostat state is “off”.

FIG. 27 is a chart depicting cooking times for a Buttermilk waffle whenbatter is added while the thermostat state is “on”.

FIG. 28 is a chart depicting cooking times for a Buttermilk waffle whenbatter is added while the thermostat state is “off”.

FIG. 29 is a chart depicting cooking times for a Chocolate waffle whenbatter is added while the thermostat state is “on”.

FIG. 30 is a chart depicting cooking times for a Chocolate waffle whenbatter is added while the thermostat state is “off”.

FIG. 31 is a cross sectional view of a toaster.

FIG. 32 is a representation of a user interface to the toaster depictedin FIG. 1.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart illustrating a method for preparing cookedfoods.

BEST MODE AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIG. 1, a waffle maker 100 comprises a base or lower housing101 that is connected to an upper housing 102 by a pair of hinges 103.The upper housing 102 incorporates a forward facing “U” shaped handle104 and upper cover 105 and an upper metal cooking plate 106. The baseor lower housing 101 incorporates a user interface 107 having the userinputs or controls 108 necessary to operate the unit as well as one ormore luminous indicators, multi-colour backlit and an alpha-numericdisplay 109. The lower housing supports the lower cooking plate 110. Thelower plate 110 has a circumferential moat in that forms a continuouschannel for receiving batter overflow and spillage.

As shown in FIG. 2, the purpose of the upper and lower housings 101, 102is to bring together with upper and lower crenelated plates 106, 110.Each of the plates includes a heating element 201. The power to theheating element is controlled by an MCU, a thermocouple and relayarrangement, microprocessor, fixed or variable thermostat or othercontrol device such as combinations of the aforementioned devices 202(hereinafter “controller”). The controller 202 also receives inputs fromthe user interface 108 and drives the display 109. In preferredembodiments, the waffle maker 100 also includes a tilt or level sensor203 that supplies information to the MCU 202 about the state of theupper housing 102. Because of the heating elements, the level sensor ispreferably located within the handle 104. The level sensor or 203 switchsuch as a microswitch is capable of detecting when the upper housing 102is opened or closed and can transmit this information or signal to theMCU 202. The signal may be used to indicate the start of a cookinginterval. The position of upper housing 102 may also be determined witha mechanical switch or sensor 120 located in the lower housing or aswitch or sensor 121 located in the upper housing. The switch or sensor120, provide a signal to the MCU that indicates when the upper housingis opened or closed. The MCU then causes the entire display to changefrom one colour to another when the waffle maker 100 is operational andclosed. The information may also be used to start the timer orcount-down timer.

The lower plate 110 incorporates an integral, peripheral moat 111. Inpreferred embodiments, the moat 111 is continuous and formed adjacent tothe outer rim of the lower plate where the upper and lower plates cometogether 204. When pouring or heating waffle batter, excess will flowover the rim 204 and into the moat 111. When compared with other wafflemakers, the moat depicted in FIG. 2 is large, having a volume ratio(when compared to the batter volume of a waffle) of 1:4.9 or more, witha lower practical limit of about 1:10. In preferred embodiments, theinternal radius 205 of the moat 111 is at least 5 mm and up to 11 mm orlarger. The preferred shape of the moat is essentially or approximatelya section of a circle.

As shown in FIG. 3, the upper and lower plates 106, 110 are capable offorming a cavity 300. The cavity 300 has edges. The cavity edge of thelower plate 110 is formed by a short horizontal shoulder 301 locatedbetween the cavity 300 and the moat 111. Batter that escapes over theedge 301 is captured in the moat 111. Note that the size and shape ofthe moat 111 are such as to conform to the size and shape of an adulthuman finger 350. This assists with cleaning spilt batter from the moatboth during and after cooking has occurred and the unit has cooled. Thecavity edge of the upper plate 106 is formed by a downward facingrectangular rim or bead 302 formed on a horizontal surface 303 aroundthe periphery of the upper plate 106. The bead may be on the lower plateand upward facing. The continuous peripheral bead 302 serves to increasethe contact pressure between the two respective edges. This serves tobetter separate the interior of the cavity 300 from any batter that islocated in the area of the edge 301 or outside of it. The upper plate106 has a peripheral and upstanding rim 304 that is preferably locatedabove the bead 302.

FIG. 4 illustrates, in perspective view, the waffle maker 100 with thetop cover 105 removed. This view illustrates the double interconnected“U” shaped path for the upper heating element 201 that is created by araised channel 401. The channel is cast into the back face of the upperplate 106. The channel is continuous and having, for example, fourapproximately equally spaced limbs 402, 403, 404 and 405. The open endsof the channel 406 face the rear of the upper plate. The open ends 406are found on the two inner limbs 403, 404. The outer limbs 402, 405connect to one another behind the open ends 406 (with reference to therear of the waffle maker; see FIG. 11). The channel 401 has integralribs 407 that radiate away from it, particularly in the areas of therounded corners 408 that join the various segments of the channel. Theseintegral ribs 407 assist in transferring heat from the heating elementand its channel to the more remote regions of the lower plate so as toachieve a more uniform heating.

FIG. 4 also illustrates the construction of the parallel hinges 103 thatinterconnect the upper and lower housings. Each of the lower hingeelements 409 is moulded into the lower plate 110, outside of or behindthe periphery of the moat 111. A hinge pin 410 joins each of the lowerhinge elements 409 to an upper hinge element 411. The pivot or pin 410is preferably located above the level of the moat to prevent beingfouled by batter. The two elongated upper hinge elements 411 areinterconnected by a transverse rigidising “L” shaped bracket 412 orformed as a single unit. Further details of the hinge arrangement aredepicted in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 5(a) and upper hinge element 411 has a rear end 501 inwhich is formed a hinging area, being in this example an opening 502 forthe hinge pin 410. The forward end 503 of the hinge element 411comprises a downward extending finger 504. As suggested by FIG. 5(a),when the upper and lower plates are brought together in a fully closedorientation, a lower and preferably flat end of the finger 504 makescontact with the interior and upper surface 505 of the upper plate 106(being a part of the upper housing). An intermediate hinge point 506 isformed on the upper hinge element between the rear end 501 and thefinger 504. In this example, the intermediate hinge point 506 comprisesof an opening that surrounds a transverse shaft 507 that is supportedabove and retained by a saddle to the upper surface 505 of the uppercooking plate 106. Thus, the upper hinge elements 103 pivot in twolocations. At a first location 502 or rear pivot, the upper hingeelement 103 pivots with respect to the lower housing. At a second orintermediate location or area 507 the hinge element pivots with respectto the upper housing. Because of this geometry, the upper housing“floats” or can be displaced upwardly in a way that is essentiallyparallel with respect to the lower housing of base. This is depicted inFIG. 5(b). Displacement of this kind occurs, for example, as the batteris heated and expands. The pressure between the upper and lower platesis essentially uniform and overflow 510 escapes the gap between the twoplates and enters the moat. As illustrated in FIG. 5(c) when the fronthandle 104 is used to open or pivot the upper housing, the upper surface505 of the upper plate 106 contacts the lower end of the finger 504.This limits the inclination or movement of the upper housing withrespect to the upper hinge element. Thereafter pivoting can only occurat the rear most hinge point 502 as the unit is opened.

As shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the extent of the parallel separationbetween the two plates caused by the expanding batter (see FIG. 5(b) maybe limited. As suggested by FIG. 6(a) a contact bumper 601 may be formedabove the upper surface 505 of the upper plate 106 in an area rearwardof the intermediate hinge point or hinge area 507. Note that in FIG.6(a) there is a small gap 602 between the upper tip of the bumper 601and the lower surface of the hinge element 103. The gap 602 is at itsmaximum when the two plates are brought together and in contact with oneanother. In effect the gap 603 between empty upper and lower plates iszero. As shown in FIG. 6(b), as the upper and lower plates move apartfrom one another, the gap 602 between the bumper and the upper hingeelement 103 is reduced until the bumper 601 actually contacts theunderside of the hinge element 103. Thus the gap 602 is reduced to zeroas the plate gap 603 reaches its maximum. Further upward movement of theupper plate is then hindered.

A more detailed view of the upper hinge element 103 is shown in FIGS.7(a) 7(b). The hinge element 103 comprises a unitary limb having a rearpivot location 701 and an intermediate pivot location or area 702 aspreviously discussed. An “L” shaped bracket 703 interconnects the leftright hinge elements 103. In preferred embodiments, the shorter andupwardly directed edge 704 of the bracket 703 rests within a gap that islocated between the downward extending finger 706 and a flat forwardfacing surface 707 of the hinge element body. The intermediate hingepoint or opening 702 is formed in a lobe 708 that extends from theunderside 709 of the hinge element body.

As shown in FIG. 8, storing and transporting the waffle maker 100 isfacilitated by a pivoting mechanical lock that selectively connects theupper housings handle 104 to an outside edge 801 of the overflow moat111. As suggested by FIG. 8, by way of example, an outside surface 802of one or the handle's side pieces 803 may contain a pocket of cavity804 for receiving a bi-stable pivoting clip or lock 805. The lock isattached to the handle by a central pivot point 806 and moves from aconcealed orientation depicted in FIG. 8(b) to an extended orientationas shown in FIG. 8(a). In the extended orientation, the hook-like bodyof the lock is adapted to engage below or with an overhang or rim 806 athat surrounds at least that part of the moat that lies below the handle104. The edge 801 of the moat lies within a recess 805 in the lock body.In this way, no part of the lock body 805 enters the moat 111 orinterferes with it. The pivoting lock body 805 is stable in both of thepositions illustrated in FIG. 8(a). This is accomplished by using aresilient wire spring shaped in the manner depicted in FIG. 8. Thespring 809 is stable in those two orientations but can to bias the lockbody into the retracted orientation depicted in FIG. 8(b) once dislodgedfrom the locked orientation. The spring comprises a first free end 810that is inserted into an opening 811 in the lock body. The spring has acentral loop 812 for added resiliency and a terminal loop 813 foraffixation.

As shown in FIG. 8A a pivoting mechanical lock that functions similarlyto the one discussed with reference to FIG. 8 may utilise a leaf-spring850 instead of a resilient wire spring. Both the leaf-spring 850 and thepivoting lock body 851 are concealed within one of the pair of sidepieces 852 that are used to support the cross bar 853 of the device'shandle 104 in this example, a leaf type spring 854 is deflected by therounded corner 855 of the pivoting lock body and has two stablepositions. One position conceals the rotating lock body within a recess856 in the side piece and the other orientation locates the lock body851 in an extended position in which it protrudes from the recess 856and is adapted to engage either an edge of the lower cooking plate or aportion on or associated with the lower housing.

As shown in FIGS. 9(a)-(d), the side pieces 901 of the handle 104 mayhave a pocket for concealing the pivoting, retractable lock body 902. Inpreferred embodiments, the lock body 902 further comprises a lateralextension 903 on which may be printed or affixed a warning 904 a. Thenature of the warning is that the lock should not be engaged with thebase or lower housing when waffles are being cooked. The lock isintended for compactness and stability during storage or transportation.The lateral extension 903 may be received within a second pocket 905that is interconnected with the first pocket 904 that receives the lockbody. The preferably flat exterior or visible surface 906 faces downwardor away from the user when the lock body is concealed. However, as shownin FIG. 9(b) the warning label or indicator 904 a faces forward and thuscan be seen by the user when the lock body is in its extended position.

The user interface 107 is depicted in FIG. 10. The user inputs include acontrol with a luminous indicator ring 1020 for restarting the timer1001 and the time display 1010, a button or control for initiating asingle, fixed increment of additional cooking time (for example 30seconds) 1002, a button or other control 1003 for initiating manualoverride of the automatic aspects of the cooking process, a rotatingdial 1004 for simultaneously selecting cooking temperature and time andan adjustment knob or dial 1005 for varying the pre-established cookingtime of a waffle. While the temperature selector 1004 is depicted as arotating knob, it will be understood that it could also be a slide orother control element that provides either continuous or discreetcontrol. The interface 107 further includes an alpha-numeric display109. The display 109 has selectively displayable portions to provideinformation to the user. The display also changes colour (e.g. white tored) when the upper housing is closed. A first portion 1006 selectivelyalerts the user to close the lid or upper housing to start the countdown timer that displays the remaining time in a cooking time orinterval. The first portion 1006 is not visible during a cooking cycle.Signals from the level or tilt or other sensors or switches (121, 120)allow the MCU to determine when the lid is closed. A second segment 1007displays one of, for example, five discreet descriptors that correspondwith the time setting or a combination of temperature and time in someembodiments. In the numbered list shown in the example of Figure to,five different batters are individually listable in the display. In thisexample, “1. CHOC/FRUIT” indicates the lowest selectable cookingtemperature and is used for those batters that generally have thehighest sugar content. The remaining four sub-segments of the displaycontain descriptors that correspond with the other four temperaturesettings on the temperature adjustment dial 1004. The controller willestablish a cooking time that may be inversely proportional to thecooking temperature or not. A third segment 1008 illustrates a “slidingscale” with the word “light” at one end and the word “dark” at the otherend. Individual arrow segments 1009 illuminate to show the degree oflightness or darkness either as set by the controller or selected by theuser as a result of utilising the time/colour control knob 1005. Each ofthe individual arrows 1009 corresponds to a position of the timetime/colour control knob 1005. A fourth segment 1010 contains numericsegments that can display the time remaining associated with any cookingoperation. A further segment of the display is adapted to display either“add batter” 1021 (when the desired cooking temperature has been reachedbut the lid or upper housing is open) or “pre-heating” 1022 before theactual cooking temperature has been reached.

FIG. 11 illustrates an underside of the lower cooking plate 110 as wellas a printed circuit board (PCB) 1101 to which the electro-mechanicalcomponents of the user interface are attached. In effect, thetemperature adjustment knob 1004 is the primary user control and ispreferably the physically largest user operable control on theinterface. The knob 1004 is mounted to a front surface of the PCB 1101.The knob has a shaft which passes through the PCB 1101 and is associatedwith a potentiometer 1102. The potentiometer 1102 sends a signal to thedevice's MCU that is interpreted as the user's selection of temperaturelevel. This information is used by the MCU to calculate the countdowntime associated with the selected temperature. The knob's shaft 1103 hasa transverse through hole or is otherwise attached to a couplingcomponent having a transverse through hole (or the like) that allows thecontrol knob 1004 to also act on a thermostat shaft 1104 as will bebetter explained with reference to FIG. 12.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 it can be seen that a mechanicallinkage 1201 interconnects the knob shaft 1103 with the thermostat'sshaft 1104. The linkage facilitates the assembly of these remote parts.The thermostat shaft 1104 rotates a thermostat gear 1105. The thermostatitself (as shown in FIG. 11) is affixed to an underside of the lowerplate and is therefore in intimate thermal contact with the lower plate.The thermostat provides temperature information to the micro controller.The primary knob 1004 is also associated with an on-off switch 1203 sothat the primary knob 1004 can be used to switch the waffle maker 100 onor off.

The main control knob 1004 provides approximately 260 degrees (or timeor combined temperature and time) of rotation, preferably encompassingfive discreet temperature settings separated by approximately 52 degreesof rotation. In one embodiment the setting relates to an order ofdecreasing sugar content, the five settings being (as found on thealpha-numeric display) CHOC/FRUIT, CLASSIC, EGG WHITE, BUTTERMILK andSAVOURY. These designations are displayed, one at a time as the knob isrotated from the lowest temperature to the highest. The designations aredisplayed for a limited time (e.g. 30 seconds) every time the main knob1004 is adjusted. After that only the selected designation is displayed.

Each arrow segment 1009 on the display is associated with e.g. 30seconds of time deviation from the nominal pre-established settingestablished by the main knob 1004 in conjunction with the MCU. If thescale is already at a maximum darkness and the user adds more time, thearrow will blink. The time/colour adjustment adjusts the recommendedcooking time by plus or minus 5 seconds for each stop on the encodingknob. Each arrow segment 1009 corresponds to 30 seconds of adjustment.If the time is adjusted during the cooking cycle, the micro processor'smemory remembers the amount of time difference for the next cycle. Thenew adjusted count-down time is displayed dynamically. If the maincontrol knob position changes, the MCU's memory remembers the time anddarkness setting. If a new setting is selected on the main knob 1004,the user adjustment from the time/colour setting 1005 is added to thenewly selected time by controller. The “A Bit More”™ button adds a fixedor user selected time, e.g. 30 seconds to the timer each time it ispressed. The “ADD BATTER” prompt or warning is only displayed onceduring a waffle making session. It is displayed from the first time thethermostat shuts the heating element off until the first time cyclebegins. The “PRE-HEATING” notification is only displayed the firstheating cycle and preferably, it flashes. Thereafter, only “heating” isdisplayed and it is displayed on every thermostat heating cycle.

The “Manual Control” button or input 1003 toggles between a “smart” modeand a “manual” mode. The smart mode is the default setting. In the smartmode, batter types are displayed 1007 and the darkness or colour orshade scale 1008 is displayed. In the manual mode, batter types are notdisplayed and the light/dark scale is not visible. The clock segment ofthe display is visible and the “manual” button back light is on.

In one particular embodiment of the technology, a thermostat 1301 isused to monitor the temperature of the lower plate 1302 and to switchthe delivery of power to the heating elements in accordance with thesensed or indicated temperature. It is preferred that the thermostat1301 be located centrally and below the lower plate 1302 and in intimatecontact with the lower plate the thermostat 1301 may be a fixedthermostat or a variable thermostat. The switching state of thethermostat 1301 is provided to the device's MCU 1303. The MCU 1303stores information relating to the state of the thermostat's contactsover time. The MCU 1303 also detects and optionally stores a moreaccurate record of the temperature of the plates as provided by thesignal from an NTC thermistor 1304 that is in intimate contact with thelower plate. In preferred embodiments, the thermistor 1304 is locatedeither centrally under a particular waffle cavity 1305 or centrally withregard to the lower plate 1306. As suggested by FIG. 14, the relativelylow cost and robust thermostat 1301 may be replaced by a centrallylocated NTC thermistor 1401. The thermistor 1401 provides temperatureinformation to the MCU 1402. The MCU 1402 communicates with a switchingrelay 1403 that switches the power delivered to the heating element orelements 1404. The switching state of the relay 1403 is monitored by theMCU 1402. Information regarding the temperature of the plates and theswitching state of the thermostat or relay is used to provideinformation to the user, via the display 109 regarding an optimum timeto add batter, when to close the plates together and when the waffle iscooked. This information is also used in the calculation of the correctcooking time as will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 15, and as preferably measured by the MCU and the NTCthermistor 1304, the measured temperature of the cooking plates changesover time. When the heating elements are first switched on 1501, theelements are at a nominal or ambient starting temperature. The deliveryof power to the elements causes a rise in the temperature of the plate1502. Because the plates have thermal inertia owing to their mass andcomposition, an optimum or nominal cooking temperature 1503 will beexceeded after the elements are switched off at the optimum cookingtemperature 1503. The temperature will reach a maximum referred to asthe over-shoot temperature 1505. This can potentially serve as a pointin time from which the processor will indicate via the display thatpre-heating is finished and that batter may be added. Because power isno longer being supplied to the heating elements, the plates will cool1506 thus, the plate's nominal cooking temperature is reached at a pointin time 1507 when the heating elements are off. The point in time 1508when the heating elements are on and the temperature of the platesbegins to rise again constitutes another point in time when the MCU maydeliver an instruction to the user, via the display log that it is timeto “add batter” (see 1021 in FIG. 10). In some embodiments the “addbatter” time may be delayed after a salient event. It will beappreciated that the measured temperature of the cooking plates willvary over time as the elements are switched on and off. Further, theprecise moment in time in which the user adds batter cannot be eitherpre-determine or predicted by the MCU. Accordingly, in one embodiment,the MCU registers the drop in temperature from the output of thethermistor 1304 and uses that drop in temperature (by a predeterminedamount) to indicate a moment in time when the batter has been added.Because the optimum or nominal cooking time will vary in accordance withthe point in time in which the batter is added, the MCU assignsdifferent cooking times (in this embodiment) in accordance with whenbatter is added. It will be understood that cooking time may refer to atime that is indicated or suggested to a user by a counter, timer orother indicator, or to a time after which cooking is terminated forexample, by the switching off of a heating element or the ejection of afood like toast.

In the example of FIG. 16, the measured temperature profile over time1601 is subdivided by the microprocessor into a number of manageabletemperature bands 1602. In this example, each band represents atemperature range of approximately 20 degrees centragrade starting fromabout 120 degrees centragrade through to 239 degrees centragrade.Potential cooking time values are represented by time zones X1-X12 1603.Zones are preferably assigned, in the equal number (in this example 12)within each temperature fluctuation cycle 1604 being an equal number (6)between the temperature maximum 1605 and the temperature minimums 1606,16.7 that the defined a beginning and end of a particular temperaturefluctuation cycle 1604. It will be appreciated that the number of bands1602 and the number of zones 1603 may deviate from the values providedby this example. The optimum cooking time will vary, depending uponwhether or not the temperature of the plates is rising because theheating elements are switched on or falling because elements have beenswitched off. Accordingly, per FIG. 15 zone X1 represents a shortestactual cooking time and that cooking time and the other times are storedin a memory accessible to the MCU at the time of manufacture. Similarly,(per FIG. 16) if batter is added in the time zone X6, the cooking timewill be the longest for a particular batter type. This is because theelements have been switched off after a temperature maximum 1605 hasbeen reached. Thus, the MCU can identify a time zone X1-X12 inaccordance with a sensed or measured drop in cooking plate temperatureand the time that the drop occurred with reference either thetemperature maximums and minimums or to the elements having beenswitched on 1606 or switched off 1605.

As shown in FIG. 17, a variable thermostat has at least 2 temperatures1701, 1702 that may be selected by a user. The measured temperature ofthe waffle maker's plates varies for each selected temperature in theway depicted in FIG. 16. In a similar way, a temperature fluctuationcycle is subdivided into discreet time zones 1703, 1704 in accordancewith pre-established temperature bands 1705. However, for eachpre-selected temperature 1701, 1702 the cooking time values associatedwith each zone 1703, 1704 are different. The MCU uses a look-up tablecontaining the cooking time values associated with each zone todetermine the cooking time for a particular batter at the selectedtemperature 1701 or 1702.

As shown in FIG. 18, a look-up table of cooking time values comprises anarray of stored values comprising fixed, individual pre-establishedsuggested cooking times 1801 associated with each time zone 1802. Inthis example, the array comprises values for four different kinds ofwaffle batter 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, each batter type having 12discreet time zones based on 12 temperature bands 1807 comprising 6bands that occur after a temperature minimum and 6 bands that occurafter a temperature maximum 1808. A first type of batter 1803 is aBelgium waffle type. Other batter types may have factors such as adifferent sugar content or the presence of other ingredients that causesthat batter type to have a different cooking time that the Belgiumwaffle batter type 1803. It will be appreciated that the time that isstored and therefore used by the MCU in respect of a particular zone maybe varied by the user using the time/colour input or control 1005 (seeFIG. 10).

In summary, one method of operation of the unit accounts for the initialpre-heating of the plates and the over-shoot of the nominal or cookingtemperature. A user is provided with an indication after the first timethat the heating elements have been turned off that the optimumpre-established cooking temperature has been reached for the first time.This indication provides the user with information in that it isappropriate to add batter. A temperature measuring device such as athermistor than continuously measures the temperature of the cookingplates sends a signal to a MCU than indicates a drop in temperature ofthe cooking plates caused by the addition of batter. The point in timeat which the batter is added is correlated with a temperature band inwhich it occurs. The band relates to the temperature as well as theswitching state of the thermostat or relays that controls power to theheating elements. The results and value identifies a single time zone.Each time zone is associated with a pre-stored cooking time. A range ofzone related cooking times is pre-stored for each selectable battertype. A user is able to adjust the pre-established time to either add orsubtract time. The pre-established time and a countdown timer aredisplayed for the user's benefit. Alteration of the pre-established timeresults in an apparent movement of an indicator on the display. Agraphic representation of the time remaining is also adjusted inaccordance with the user's selection. At the end of the pre-establishedor user altered cooking time, the user is provided with an indication onthe display. This signals the user to open the waffle maker and removethe cooked waffle even though the elements continue to operate. At anypoint during a cooking cycle or between cooking cycles, the user canselect, using a single input such as a button, an additional incrementof time that is added to the pre-established or user altered cookingtime. This results in an alteration of the graphic representation ofcountdown time and the graphic indication of the lightness or darknessof the waffle.

In other embodiments the cooking time or information relating to thecooking time, such as the display of a count-down time, is based on whenthe upper housing is closed, as sensed by the level sensors located forexample, in the upper housing. In embodiments of this type, the user isnot provided with a prompt for when to add the waffle batter. However,recommended cooking times and subsequently a count-down of same aredisplayed on the user interface of the waffle maker and are based on themeasured or detected cooking surface temperature as determined by asensor such as an NTC thermistor 1304, a selection made by the userbased on batter type, and optional lightness-darkness (time) adjustmentthat can be made by a user, an addition of a supplemental time intervalbeing either a fixed or variable interval 1002 and optionally, the stateof a thermostat associated with one of the cooking plates. An embodimentof this type is disclosed with reference to FIGS. 19-30.

As shown in FIG. 19, the temperature 1901 of the plates or cookingsurfaces will vary over time in accordance with the state of thethermostat (e.g. 1301). The thermostat is considered “on” when itscontacts are closed and power is being supplied to the heating elements.Conversely, the thermostat is considered “off” when the contacts areopen. Consequently, the state of the thermostat will cycle between “on”states 1902 and “off” states 1903 while the device is in use. Addingbatter to the lower plate at a point in time 1904 when the thermostat isoff will cause a relatively fast decrease in temperature 1906 and maycause the actual temperature of the cooking surface to fall below thethermostat's nominal lower temperature limit 1907 for a specifictemperature band. As shown in FIG. 19, adding batter when the thermostatis on 1908 causes only a modest decrease 1909 in the temperature of thecooking surfaces. For these reasons, batter that is added when thethermostat is off 1904 requires a longer cooking time than batter thatis added 1908 when the thermostat is on.

A waffle maker made in accordance with the teachings of the inventioncan accommodate these differences in cooking time by detecting both theplate temperature and the state of the thermostat as suggested by FIG.20. In embodiments of this type, the device's MCU consults and utilisesa time value from a look-up table that has been populated with cookingtimes, the look-up being based on the measured plate temperature and thestate of the thermostat, this information also being provided to theMCU. In the example of FIG. 20, the range of possible plate temperatures2000 is subdivided into six (6) bands 2001. There may be more, or fewerbands. In this example, the lowest band represents the range oftemperatures below 139 C. The second band 2003 represents temperaturesbetween 140-159 C. The third band 2004 represents temperatures between160-179 C. The fourth band 2005 represents temperatures between 180-199C. The fifth band 2006 represents temperatures between 200-219 C. Thesixth band 2007 represents temperatures at or above 220 C. For eachtemperature band, there are time values for a thermostat “on” state 2008and a thermostat “off” state 2009. For each temperature band andthermostat state combination, there are four possible cooking times 201because cooking time data has been stored in a look-up table for use bythe MCU for four (4) different batter types 2011. In order to determinea nominal or default cooking time, the MCU reads the plate temperaturesensed by the NTC thermistor at the time when the upper housing isclosed or for example, when a significant or rapid temperature drop isdetected by a sensor such as the thermistor. This is detected by a tiltswitch or mechanical switch or proximity sensor as previously disclosed.In one example, the MCU determines that the plate temperature is 220 Cwhen the upper housing is closed. This places the determined temperaturein band six, 2007. For the purpose of this example it would be assumedthat the MCU also detects the thermostat state as “on”. Thus based onthe aforementioned measurements and the selection of a batter typecorresponding to a Belgium waffle 2014 the MCU will perform a look-upoperation of the nominal or default cooking time in a register or memorylocation designated symbolically in FIG. 20 as “T21” 2014.

As shown in FIG. 21, the cooking process may be somewhat simplified byutilising a more thermally stable or thermally inert cooking surface,one whose temperature does not vary significantly between thermostat“on” and thermostat “off” states. The unit may also operate withoutreference to thermostat by for example, utilising a nominal or defaultcooking time that is effective in either the “on” or “off” state of thethermostat. Thus, and as shown in FIG. 21, the look-up operationperformed by the MCU, being in this example “T18” 2100 is based solelyon the batter type (in this example, “CLASSIC” 2102) and the sensedplate temperature (in this example, 210C) 2013.

As shown in FIG. 22, a user interface 2200 for operating a waffle makingdevice fabricated in accordance with the previous examples comprises agraphic display 2201. The display includes alphanumeric segments 2202that may be used to provide a countdown of the suggested cooking timeand a further indication such as the word “end” when the countdown hasreached zero. The heating elements are not turned off at the end of thecount down. The display 2201 may also include an indication such asindividual segments in a linear array 2203 that are indicative of thelight-dark adjustment setting made by the user. In this example, thelight-dark adjustment is made with a rotating knob 2204 having twelve(12) discreet settings. Each setting is represented by one segment inthe array 2203. In some embodiments, the array 2203 can also serve as acountdown whereby the recommended cooking time is subdivided by thenumber of segments that are activated or illuminated, one segment beingextinguished upon the elapsing of one said time interval, until nosegments are activated or illuminated and the suggested cooking time haselapsed. The display 2201 may also contain a list of cooking modes 2205.In this example, there are four (4) modes corresponding to four (4)different batter types in order of sugar content, being: BELGIUM,CLASSIC, CHOCOLATE and BUTTERMILK. A fifth mode or item in the list 2206correspond to a “custom” cooking mode in which the operation of thedevice is entirely manual.

Recipes for the aforementioned waffle types is provided below.

Belgium Waffle Batter

Makes: 12

Ingredients

4 eggs, separated

2½ cups milk

200 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 cups self-raising flour

¼ cup caster sugar

Method

-   -   1. Place egg yolks, milk, butter and vanilla in a large jug and        whisk until well combined.    -   2. Combine flour and sugar into a large mixing bowl and make a        well in the centre.    -   3. Carefully whisk in egg milk mixture to form a smooth batter.    -   4. Beat egg whites with electric beaters until stiff peaks form.        Gently fold egg whites into batter.    -   5. Pour ½ cup of batter into each waffle square and close lid to        cook.

Classic Waffle Batter

Makes: 12

Ingredients

4 eggs

2½ cups milk

200 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 cups self-raising flour

4 cup caster sugar

Method

-   -   1. Place eggs, milk, butter and vanilla in a large jug and whisk        until well combined.    -   2. Combine flour and sugar into a large mixing bowl and make a        well in the centre.    -   3. Carefully whisk in egg milk mixture to form a smooth batter.    -   4. Pour ½ cup of batter into each waffle square and close lid to        cook.

Chocolate Waffle Batter

Makes: 12

Ingredients

200 g dark bittersweet chocolate, chopped

100 g unsalted butter, diced

3 eggs

2 cups milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2½ cups plain flour

1 cups caster sugar

⅓ cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon salt

Method

-   -   1. Place the chocolate and butter in a microwave safe bowl and        heat on 100% power for 30 seconds. Stir and continue until        chocolate and butter have melted and mixture is smooth; set        aside to cool slightly.    -   2. Whisk eggs, milk and vanilla together in a large jug and stir        through cooled chocolate mixture until smooth.    -   3. Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt        together in a large mixing bowl, and make a well in the centre.    -   4. Pour in egg mixture and whisk until mostly smooth with just a        few lumps    -   5. Pour ½ cup of batter into each waffle square and close lid to        cook.

Buttermilk Waffle Batter

Makes: 12

Ingredients

4 eggs

600 ml buttermilk

½ cup vegetable oil (such as sunflower or canola)

2½ cups self-raising flour

⅓ cup caster sugar

1 teaspoon salt

Method

-   -   1. Place eggs, buttermilk and vegetable into a large jug and        whisk until well combined.    -   2. Combine flour, sugar and salt into a large mixing bowl and        make a well in the centre.    -   3. Carefully whisk in egg buttermilk mixture to form a smooth        batter, with just a few lumps.    -   4. If batter is too thick, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of        buttermilk. Pour ½ cup of batter into each waffle square and        close lid to cook.

The user selection of a mode in the list 2205 is made using a rotatingknob 2207, or a slider of push buttons. In this example, the knob hasdiscreet click-stops, one stop corresponding to each item in the list2205. The interface also features a restart button 2208 for restartingthe timer and an “a bit more” button 2209 for adding either a fixed oruser variable time interval to the suggested time interval as determinedby the device's MCU.

FIGS. 20 and 21 and the related portions of this specification disclosea method whereby a processor or MCU in a waffle maker can determine anominal or default cooking time 2013, 2014, 2100. In addition, the MCUor processor can use the nominal or default cooking time and optionallymodify it to produce a resultant or actual cooking time based onadditional factors. For example, the MCU can use the detectedtemperature drop, as measured by the NTC thermistor, when batter isadded to determine if and how much additional cooking time is required.Further, the MCU can add additional time based on the single input “ABit More” user control button 2209, 1002 as previously disclosed. TheMCU can also modify the nominal or default cooking time in accordancewith a lightness-darkness selection resulting for the user input. Asdiscussed with reference to FIG. 22, the user interface may have alightness-darkness adjustment input such as a knob 2204. In the exampleof FIG. 22, there are 12 discreet settings available the knob 2204. Assuggested by FIGS. 23-30, the lightness-darkness setting can result inthe additional or subtraction of time, from the nominal or defaultcooking time, to result in actual cooking time. In any event, it ispreferred that the actual cooking time (based on the nominal or defaultcooking time compensated by other factors) be displayed after the upperhousing is closed. The actual cooking time that is displayed is thenused as a basis for the display of a countdown which when finished, is aprompt for the user to open the upper housing and remove the cookedwaffle. In the examples depicted in FIGS. 23-30, and for each waffletype and thermostat state, there are four cooking bands. Each band isassociated with twelve bars, corresponding to the twelve settings on theuser input 2204. If there is no additional user input, thelightness-darkness default setting is represented by the value “6” ineach of the temperature bands depicted in FIGS. 23-30. For example, inFIG. 23, in the lowest band 2304 the nominal or default suggestedcooking time (corresponding to six bars) is 315 seconds. The microprocessor determines the time values for each of the otherlightness-darkness settings by dividing the nominal or default cookingtime (315 seconds) by six. In this example, the resulting increment is52.5 seconds. This value represents at least the approximate incrementaldifference between adjacent settings or “bars” in the lightness-darknesssetting knob 2204 and in the corresponding display 2203. With referenceto the lowest setting, it may be determined by subtracting 10 secondsfrom the second to lowest setting. This has been empirically determinedbased on the particular plates, heating element

FIG. 23 represent schematically, a look-up table corresponding to a userselection of a Belgium waffle type where the upper housing is closedwhen the thermostat is in an “on” state. In this example, the entirerange of plate temperatures has been subdivided into four (4) bands 2300and each band is associated with twelve (12) optional lightness-darknesssettings that are user selectable 2301. For each lightness-darknesssetting in each temperature band there is a time value 2302 stored andaccessible to the MCU. In this example, the time value associated with alightness-darkness setting of six (6) represents the default cookingtime in each temperature band. In the temperature band corresponding toa determined plate temperature of 159 C or less, the default cookingtime is 315 second. This corresponds to an alphanumeric display on thegraphic display 2201 of 5:15 2303. In this example, the incrementbetween different lightness-darkness settings is determined by dividingthe default cooking time by six (6). As previously mentioned, eachupward or downward adjustment from the nominal or default value of six(6) represents a time interval of 52.5 seconds. In this particularexample, the interval between the two (2) lowest darkness-lightnesssettings is determined by subtracting ten (10) seconds form the secondlowest value. Accordingly, the second time value in the lowesttemperature band is 105 seconds and the time value for the lowestdarkness-lightness setting is 95 seconds. FIG. 24 provides data for thetime look-up values associated with a Belgium waffle selection made bythe user when batter is added while the thermostat state is “off”. Acomparison of the cooking times in FIGS. 23 and 24 will reveal that thecooking times are uniformly longer when batter is added in thethermostat “off” state.

FIG. 25 provides examples of cooking times determinable by the MCU froma look-up table for a “Classic” batter type that is added when thethermostat state is “on”. FIG. 26 provides corresponding data for whenbatter is added while the thermostat state is “off”.

FIG. 27 provides examples of cooking times determinable by the MCU froma look-up table for a “Buttermilk” batter type that is added when thethermostat state is “on”. FIG. 28 provides corresponding data for whenbatter is added while the thermostat state is “off”.

FIG. 29 provides examples of cooking times determinable by the MCU froma look-up table for a “Chocolate” batter type that is added when thethermostat state is “on”. FIG. 30 provides corresponding data for whenbatter is added while the thermostat state is “off”.

The aforementioned disclosure pertains to a waffle maker that calculatesa nominal or default cooking time in accordance with a first user action(being a closing of the upper housing), a measured plate or cookingsurface temperature, an optional consideration of a thermostat state, auser input relating to a batter type, and optional parameters such as auser input regarding a desired lightness or darkness or the addition ofa fixed or variable additional time by way of a single button input.

The toaster of FIG. 31 may have a user interface as depicted in FIG. 32.The user interface may consist of components such as a graphic display3200, in this example, the graphic display 3200 contains a graphic listof food or bread types 3201. In this example, each item in the list 3201is associated with a “moving” indicator 3202 which may be activated orilluminated so as to indicate a selection made by a user. The user'sselection of bread or food type 3202 may be accomplished with, forexample, a rotating knob 3203. Rotation of the knob 3203 communicatesinformation to the processor which indicates the selection and causesthe processor to change which item in the list 3201 is associated withthe indicator 3202. Each bread or food type in the list 3201 isassociated with a default or nominal cooking time stored in a registeror memory location of a look-up table that the processor can read 3005.In some embodiments, the default or nominal toasting or cooking time isindicated in an alphanumeric display 3204. However, the initial, defaultor nominal toasting time may be altered in accordance with one or moreuser inputs to result in an actual toasting time. In one example, theexterior of the toaster features a slide type user control 3205 oranother rotating selector knob similar to the food type selector 3203.The food type selector 3203 may be used for both purposes when a toggleswitch is provided. In preferred embodiments, the slider or other usercontrol 3205 allows the user to select from a discreet number ofsettings, each setting having the effect of either decreasing orincreasing the default or nominal toasting time. This increase ordecrease in the nominal or default toasting time is referred to asadjustment over toast lightness or darkness. The extent of lightness ordarkness requested by the user using the control 3205 is represented inthe graphic display 32000 by an array of discreet segments 3206. In thisexample, the range of cooking times selectable by the user and includingthe default time is represented by ten (10) discreet segments. Theextent to which the array is activated or illuminates indicates the userselection from the control 3205. The aforementioned look-up table can beprovided with calculated, algorithmic or empirically determined timesrepresenting the increment up or down from the nominal or default timein accordance with the selection from the control 3205. When a userselection is made using the control 3205, the resulting or actualcooking time is then displayed by the alphanumeric segments 3204.Further adjustment to the actual cooking time may be accomplished with asingle push button input 3207 that adds a fixed or user selectableincrement to the previously determined cooking time. This is similar tothe user control 1002 described previously. A further form of usermodification of the initial cooking time is a push button or other userinput for selecting a supplementing of the aforementioned cooking timesby an additional increment when the defrosting of a frozen or partiallyfrozen food item is required. The amount of defrosting may vary inaccordance with different items in the list 3201. A single orindividually selected defrost time increments may be contained in thelook-up table for the use by the processor 3005. In this example, thetoaster works by the user making selections represented by the variousinputs 3203, 3205, 3206, 3207, 3208 then pressing a start/stop button oruser input 3209. The toasting or cooking operation will continue untilthe actual cooking time elapses whereupon the toast rack 3204 will riseand power will be turned off to the heating elements. If the start/stopinput 3209 is depressed mid-cycle, the cooking cycle will bediscontinued, the elements will be turned off and the food rack 3004will rise.

Accordingly, there exists a method for an appliance such as a wafflemaker or a toaster or a toaster oven to cook or toast foods inaccordance with various parameters and user inputs. This method isrepresented by the flow chart depicted in FIG. 33. In this method, anMCU or processor 3300 determines the state of various user inputs 3301.The user inputs may include a selection of food type made using aselector or control on an interface, a selection regarding extent ofcooking such as lightness or darkness, a selection based on food texturesuch as one related to desired moisture level or crispness, theselection of a compensation factor such as a request for additional timebased on the need to defrost a food item, a request for an increment ofadditional or supplemental time based on a user specific preference 1002or other factors. The MCU or processors 3300 may also receiveinformation from sensors or switches associated with the physical state,thermostat state or other properties of a cooking device 3302. In thisway, the processor 3300 is informed of parameters such as cooking cavityor cooking surface temperature, the state of a thermostat (on or off),upper housing or toast rack position ambient temperature etc. Inessence, the processor, when instructed to do so by a command from auser input such as a ‘start’ button 3303 will use the various userinputs 3301 and the properties 3302 to make a determination about whichregister or cell in a look-up table to consult. As previously mentioned,the processor may resort to a look-up of nominal or default cooking time3304, then modify 3305 that time, if required, by employing a algorithmthat takes into account the inputs 3301 and properties 3302 to determinewhich register or memory location in the look-up table of cooking timesto use as the actual cooking time. Generally, at the end of the actualcooking time the user is provided by an indication 3306 that the cookingprocess is complete or, the device itself effectively ceases to operate,optionally ejecting the food that has been cooked in accordance with theprevious method.

While the present invention has been disclosed with reference toparticular details of construction, these should be understood as havingbeen provided by way of example and not as limitations to the scope orspirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrical waffle making device comprising: abase that is connected to an upper housing with a hinge; the upperhousing having a handle and an upper cooking plate and the basesupporting a lower cooking plate, the upper and lower cooking platesforming a cavity when brought together, wherein the cavity is arrangedto receive batter for making a waffle, and wherein the lower cookingplate includes an outer rim and a continuous peripheral moat adjacent toand surrounding the outer rim and wherein the peripheral moat isarranged to contain excess batter flowing over the outer rim, a portionof the outer rim extending to an edge of a shoulder; the peripheral moatformed adjacent to where the upper and lower cooking plates are broughttogether to meet at the edge, wherein a bead extending from one of thecooking plates contacts the edge of the other of the cooking plates, theperipheral moat sized so as to remain exposed and uncovered by the upperhousing when the upper and lower cooking plates are brought together;the hinge arranged to allow the upper housing to float in parallel withthe base; and wherein the hinge includes lower hinge elements that areintegral with the lower plate, and a pair of upper hinge elementsengaging the lower hinge elements, the hinge having a pin at a rearpivot location and a pin at an intermediate pivot location on the upperhinge elements, and wherein the lower hinge elements are locatedoutwardly of the peripheral moat.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein: theperipheral moat has an internal radius of at least 5 mm.
 3. The deviceof claim 1, wherein: the peripheral moat has an internal radius of 5 mmto 11 mm.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein: the peripheral moat has aninternal radius of 11 mm or larger.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein: aratio of a volume of the peripheral moat to a volume of the wafflecooked by the device is between 1:4.9 and 1:10.
 6. The device of claim1, wherein: a pivot is disposed between the upper and lower hingeelements and above the peripheral moat.
 7. The device of claim 1,wherein: the upper hinge elements are interconnected by a bracket. 8.The device of claim 1, wherein: an extent of a parallel separationbetween the upper cooking plate and the lower cooking plate is limitedby a bumper formed on an upper surface of the upper cooking plate thatcontacts the hinge.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein: a lock mechanismextends between the upper housing and the peripheral moat.
 10. Thedevice of claim 9, wherein: the lock mechanism is retained by thehandle.
 11. The device of claim 1 wherein: a ratio of a volume of theperipheral moat to a volume of the waffle cooked by the device is morethan 1:4.9.
 12. The device of claim 1 wherein: a ratio of a volume ofthe peripheral moat to a volume of the waffle cooked by the device is1:4.9.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein: the peripheral moat isintegral with the lower cooking plate.
 14. The device of claim 1,wherein: the peripheral moat has a cross-section being in the shape of asemi-circle.
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein: the peripheral moat iscontinuous.
 16. The device of claim 1, wherein: the upper cooking plateor the lower cooking plate includes a vertically-extending rim definingat least a portion of the outer rim of the cavity.
 17. An electricalwaffle making device comprising: a base is connected to an upper housingwith a hinge; the upper housing having a handle and an upper cookingplate and the base supporting a lower cooking plate, the upper and lowercooking plates forming a cavity when brought together, wherein thecavity is arranged to receive batter for making a waffle; an outer rimof the lower plate extending to a shoulder formed at an uppermostportion of the lower cooking plate adjacent an outer edge of the cavity,the shoulder being where the upper and lower cooking plates are broughttogether, the lower cooking plate having a continuous peripheral moatarranged to contain excess batter flowing over the rim; the peripheralmoat formed adjacent to and outwardly of the outer rim and the shoulder,with the peripheral moat being disposed below the peripheral shoulder,the peripheral moat sized so as to remain exposed and uncovered by theupper housing when the upper and lower cooking plates are broughttogether at a bead extending from the upper cooking plate contacting theshoulder of the lower cooking plate; and the hinge arranged to allow theupper housing to float in parallel with the base.
 18. The device ofclaim 17, wherein the hinge includes lower hinge elements that areintegral with the lower plate, and a pair of upper hinge elementsengaging the lower hinge elements, the hinge having a pin at a rearpivot location and a pin at an intermediate pivot location on the pairof upper hinge elements, and wherein the lower hinge elements arelocated outwardly of the peripheral moat.
 19. The device of claim 17,wherein: a pivot is disposed between the upper and lower hinge elementsand above the peripheral moat.
 20. The device of claim 17, wherein: theupper hinge elements are interconnected by a bracket.
 21. The device ofclaim 17, wherein: an extent of a parallel separation between the uppercooking plate and the lower cooking plate is limited by a bumper formedon an upper surface of the upper cooking plate that contacts the hinge.22. The device of claim 17, wherein: a lock mechanism extends betweenthe upper housing and the peripheral moat, and wherein the lockmechanism is retained by the handle.